We recently celebrated a birthday of an exquisite home cook who owns every possible cookbook, kitchen gadget (I mean that in the most haute cuisine way) and device for every genre of cooking. A few things popped up as possible gifts having escaped the cook’s radar but none felt worthy of the full celebration of his birth and talents.
Those of us holding steady on our own age headed en masse to the local mecca of all kitchen stores: the Peppercorn. I’ve never encountered a store like this and frankly, to unabashedly name drop, Marcus Samuelsson, whom I met at a book signing last summer at the Peppercorn was also dazzled, notably.
As we cruised the store searching for clues to the perfect gift, we took in the immense and eclectic offerings. There is a Colorado food section. A hot sauce section with hundreds, seriously, of selections (several with expletives you might imagine uttering were you to eat the sauce containing the caliber of chile peppers in the ingredient list). Everything for coffee and tea imaginable. Hundreds of cookbooks spanning the newest and the classics, to the specific food items warranting an entire book just on themselves. I even noted a cookbook from an iconic restaurant from Big Sur California I used to frequent, Nepenthe, perched on the side of a cliff featuring cool dishes and roots deep in the hippy era of last century.
We milled around and found ourselves at, of all places, in the fondue center. Truly a modern day kiosk of current fondue pots, heating gels, cookbooks, medieval looking forks, packets of cheese (which immediately made me spring to read the ingredients questing to understand why it does not have to be refrigerated). Before we knew it we were embroiled in a heavy question and answer session with the knowledgeable store attendants (two on the case). Electric or fuel? Cast iron or non-stick lined metal? Gel or heating ‘pods’? How many forks? Great cookbook suggestion? Before you knew it they were wrapping up a new, cast iron, red, Swiss made rig with a copy of ‘Not Your Mother’s Fondue’ recipe book. Had we lost our mind? This is not 1972 after all.
Suffice it to say our recipient was genuinely surprised (wouldn’t you be?). Perhaps taken aback but being a gentile sort, graciously appreciative and hopped on to try it out.
You might note from the photo at the top we clearly did not read the ‘fondue etiquette’ pamphlet and just stuffed our forks and dove in. The recipe we used was more of a hot pot dish than the classic bourguignon (meat) or Swiss (cheese) fondue.
This was delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was succulent and flavorful. The onions and mushrooms were wonderful as well. This is fast and fun for a time you don’t HAVE much time. A great way to center everyone over one dish to enjoy lovely food and company.
Boulder Locavore says
I sense a Fondue revival from your comments! Perfect for this bone-chilling weather.
Debbie: I got a Swissmar Lucerne 10 pc Meat Foundue set. It can be used for all three types of fondue (meat, cheese, chocolate) but has a removeable splatter guard for meat. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/4aetas9
Saw a gorgeous burnt orange one while finding this. Must go look. A girl can't have too many fondue pots, right?!
Debbie says
What a great idea…especially with Valentine's Day coming up…can I ask what kind of fondue pot you got?
Lea Ann says
I haven't been to the Peppercorn in 20 years. A WONderful store! Maybe we should pick some “must be seen at” Boulder restaurant to have lunch and make a trip to the store…just sayin. By gosh, I think you've given me my SuperBowl idea. This sounds wonderful. I still have my fondue pots from the 70's. Won't the beer swillin .. Frito eating crowd love that? 🙂
vtkitchen says
I recognize your excitement from when I stepped into Sur La Table for the first time (which was recently, surprisingly enough, like past two months recent). It's amazing to be in a nice kitchen store and so witness all the gadgets that might make your life easier. Focus on the extra dirty dishes factor and you are guaranteed to escape with your wallet intact!
Jennifer- Adventuresome Kitchen says
I really must get a fondue pot….or four…. That looks awesome.
Susan says
What a fun gift! My favorite memory of fondue is a New Years Eve party in Germany … our friends hosted a fondue dinner party. Great time around the table with a hotpot fondue and a cheese fondue, cool salads, and plenty of German wine … then fireworks at midnight! Such a unique evening! Fondue definitely lends itself to tidbits and talk ….
Diann G says
I also have an unused electric fondue pot. Your recipe inspires me to pull it out of storage and use if for the first time.
kitchenarian says
I LOVE fondue!! I have three fondue pots including my mother's from the 1970's. What a beautiful picture and a great recipe!
Intuitive Eggplant says
Must say that I was scratching my head over the inclusion of marinara sauce in Coq au Vin fondue. But then this is “Not Your Mother's Fondue” or, apparently, your mother's Coq au Vin 🙂 I'll be there are some other interesting twists in that cookbook. In all seriousness, fondue makes for such a great meal to share. It's fun and not fussy, and you can't help but linger over it. Nice post.
Elisabeth says
Hi Toni-This is the most unusual fondue recipe that I have encountered. Just love the idea of fondue! I have one sitting still in its original box, from years ago, which I was about to donate, but will pull it out and try this yummy recipe!
Thanks for sharing!
Pegasuslegend says
Such great fun, use to do these all the time have fondue parties thanks for reminding me!
Kristen says
What a great idea for a fondue. I don't use mine nearly enough.
Biren @ Roti n Rice says
Peppercorn is a fantastic store! I used to love going there. We recently had fondue too and it was great fun. Your cog au vin fondue sounds delicious!
ping says
Sounds like great fun! Love the title of the book 😀
Cardamom Hills says
I have always wanted to make fondue in the real fondue pot….now the degree of want has increased!! =)